News

News updates from the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

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Practical Fisheries Training

The Coastal Fisheries Training and Information Unit (TIU) team successfully returned on 1 May, from a mission to Kiritimati Island conducted from 21 April to 1 May 2026.
This activity is one of CFD, MFOR’s 100 Days Priorities: launching milkfish deboning products developed by private sector partners with support from the Coastal Fisheries Division.
The mission was successfully completed with strong participation and support from private sector stakeholders, particularly restaurants and hotels in Kiritimati. The program included practical training on milkfish deboning techniques, followed by a launching event marking the adoption of this value-adding approach by stakeholders.
Participants carried out their own milkfish deboning and showcased a variety of cooked (value added) deboned milkfish recipes during the event. While mastering the technique requires time and practice, participants were able to learn all the important steps involved in the deboning process.
This initiative creates exciting opportunities for income generation and improved livelihoods in Kiritimati, particularly for private sector businesses and the wider community. By adding value to milkfish products through deboning, stakeholders can attract greater customer interest and demand while providing a safer, more convenient, and enjoyable product for tourists, children, and the elderly.
CFD sincerely acknowledges and appreciates the financial support provided through the PROP and Ridge to Reef (R2R) Projects, which contributed to the successful implementation of this activity.
Sincere gratitude is also extended to all stakeholders including the LINNIX and participants whose active involvement helped make the mission a success.
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Onotoa Fisheries Consultation

A 5- day trip to Onotoa concluded yesterday with the team from the Planning and Development Division, MFOR with a follow up discussions on fisheries projects with the Onotoa Island Council. The visit is purposely to discuss with the Mayor, Island Clerk and IDO from Onotoa on fisheries projects. The trip convened from the 5th May- 10th April, 2026 as a follow up consultation with Onotoa Island council on the new project to address the new establishment of a potential project for the Satellite fish center at Tabuarorae.
The project is part of the request to the Government to establish a new satellite center to be built at Tabuarorae village. The Ministry recognized the importance of this project in supporting livelihood diversification and providing cold storage systems to ensure safe and quality fisheries products. As part of the project, it is important to clear on the land acquisition which requires further follow with the island council. The team also has the opportunity to carry out a site visit to the proposed site, monitoring visit to the current fish center at Buraitan and follow up on the various projects implemented by the Ministry as part of the Outer island Monitoring and Evaluation work on fisheries projects. The Ministry acknowledges the support of the PROP WB for making this trip a successful for the PDD team to carry out this important assignment.
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Butaritari MSP Mission Success

Another successful Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) mission on Butaritari island was carried out from 26th April 2026 to 6th May 2026. Butaritari island is now the 7th island that the committee has visited to support the island’s marine spatial plan which has now been completed and has mapped out significant marine areas on the island. At the end of the mission and the vision was clear: “Unity in supporting Marine Spatial Planning for Butaritari through innovative methodologies and policies that strengthen legislation for safeguarding marine life for resilient livelihood, preserve and protect cultural heritage and sustainable developments in Butaritari.”
The members of the committee that successfully contributed to this mission are:
- 1 representative from Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK-MTCIC)
- 1 representative from Environment Conservation Division (ECD-MELAD)
- 2 representatives from Land Management Division (LMD-MELAD)
- 1 representative from National Statistics Office (NSO-MTCIC)
- 1 representative from Culture and Museum Division (CMD-MCIA)
- 2 representatives from Community-Based Fisheries Unit (CBFM-CFD-MFOR)
- 5 representatives from Geoscience Division (GSD-MFOR)
At last, other activities from the committee members involved with the marine space that were supported and completed during the mission and helped strengthen coordination within the committee included:
Drone flying and capturing high resolution and up-to-date aerial photos of Butaritari island
- Mangrove planting with youths and the community
- Land survey at Butaritari terminal
- Cultural mapping
- School vist at St Leo College
The committee expresses its gratitude to MFAT for funding this valuable mission and for supporting marine spatial planning as a tool to ensure coordination of marine activities for a better managed ocean and sustainable marine resources.
The committee extends its sincere appreciation to the Mayor and Island Clerk of Butaritari, all members of the Full Council including representatives from the youth, elders, and women groups, and the people of Butaritari for their active engagement, keen interest, and valuable contributions throughout the mission. Their strong participation greatly strengthened the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process and reflected the island’s commitment to sustainable marine management, cultural heritage, and future development aspirations.
The committee also acknowledges Butaritari’s strong and active marine resource management under the Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) programme, which complements the MSP process through shared goals of sustainable resource use, ecosystem protection, local stewardship, and resilient livelihoods.
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Development Partners and Investors Unite at Te Wa Forum to Support Kiribati’s Ocean Future

A two-day Te Wa Forum, hosted by Kiribati’s Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, began on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, at the East Stake centre of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bangantebure to shape the nation’s ocean future. Minister Ribanataake Tiwau explained that “Te Wa” means traditional canoe, symbolizing unity and shared effort—adding, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The forum brings together development partners and investors to find practical solutions for managing Kiribati’s vast ocean resources.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimoni Manoni noted the forum aligns with the Blue Pacific approach, advancing collective action and ocean governance. He commended Kiribati’s leadership, urging all to “paddle forward together as one Blue Pacific.”

On day two of the forum, the venue moves to the Kiribati Fisheries Limited (KIFL) Building in Ambo for a dedicated bilateral session. This session allows direct, one-on-one engagements between the Government of Kiribati and individual partners, focusing on mutually beneficial actions and concrete commitments to sustainably manage ocean resources. The event underscores a shared commitment to long-term ocean stewardship, with the bilateral talks expected to solidify practical steps forward for the nation’s “canoe journey.”

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